Sandra Cota, RN
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Experienced nursing professional that is self motivated, demonstrates clinical expertise in a variety of clinical areas. Displays calm leadership skills and technical knowledge. Experienced in adapting to emergency situations and rapid changes. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring patient status, medication needs, interpreting laboratory results, procedural assistance, and sensitive to culture needs. Accustomed to working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven, efficient with strong interpersonal abilities. Bilingual skills, Spanish speaking.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ
05.1998 - Current
- Assessed, planned and implemented individualized patient care plans for patients undergoing surgery.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare providers during surgeries.
- Ensured proper documentation of patient assessment data, treatments, medications, interventions. in medical records.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Adhered to safety protocols according to hospital policies and procedures while providing care to patients in the OR suite.
- Identified potential complications related to anesthesia administration or surgery itself before they occurred so prompt action could be taken if needed.
- Prepared operating rooms by setting out and verifying equipment and assessing for compliance with asepsis standards.
- Handled laboratory specimens and inspected containers for correct packaging and labeling.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess emergent situations that arose during surgeries.
- Performed nursing tasks to deliver high level of care and comply with procedures and regulations.
- Assisted multiple surgical providers in Neurosurgery, General surgery, Plastic surgery, and ENT surgery.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with patients, families and colleagues in the OR setting.
Home Health Registered Nurse
Lutheran
Mesa , AZ
05.1996 - 04.1998
- Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs.
- Conducted home visits to assess safety of living environment for elderly or disabled clients.
- Educated patients regarding their diagnosis and treatment plan while promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
- Provided direct nursing care by administering medications, treatments, wound care, injections, and other skilled procedures as ordered by the physician.
- Instructed patients in proper self-care techniques such as medication administration or wound dressing changes.
- Performed delegated medical tasks such as monitoring glucose levels for diabetic patients or catheterizations when necessary.
- Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions based on outcomes achieved relative to goals established in the care plan.
- Provided education about resources available for long term management of chronic illnesses.
- Conducted regular re-evaluations to address changes in needs and conditions, and introduced revisions to care plans.
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds and managed catheters.
ICU Staff Nurse
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ
02.1992 - 05.1996
- Assessed, monitored and evaluated patient's condition in the ICU.
- Provided direct care to critically ill patients including administering medications, performing treatments and providing emotional support.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Ensured appropriate documentation of patient care activities according to established standards.
- Maintained accurate records of vital signs, fluid intake and output levels, daily weights and laboratory results.
- Responded promptly to changes in a patient's condition by initiating life saving interventions as needed.
- Managed ventilators, tracheostomy tubes and intravenous lines while monitoring oxygenation levels and hemodynamic parameters.
- Performed bedside procedures such as wound dressing changes, nasogastric tube placement or insertion of urinary catheters as required.
- Administered parenteral nutrition according to physician orders while closely monitoring electrolyte balance.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as intubations or bronchoscopies.
- Implemented infection control policies within the ICU environment ensuring optimal safety for both staff members and patients alike.
- Assessed patient incision site, monitored body temperature and tracked other indicators of stability or complications.
- Comforted and reassured patients and family members and patiently answered questions and conveyed important care information.
- Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge.
Labor and Delivery Nurse Extern
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, Az
04.1990 - 01.1992
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assessed and documented rapid changes in postpartum status.
- Provided pain management techniques.
- Educated Mother’s in postpartum self care.
- Assisted in maternal bonding process.
- Provided assistance and encouragement in the breastfeeding process and techniques.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Phoenix Community College
Phoenix, AZ12.1991
Skills
- Patient Needs Assessment
- Critical Care
- Critical Thinker
- Emergency Response
- Medication Administration
- BLS/ACLS Certified
- Tracheostomy tubes, Ventilator care, Interventional drains, and feeding tubes
- Patient Communication/bilingual- Spanish speaking
- Teamwork and Collaboration Strong communication skill
Timeline
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
05.1998 - Current
Home Health Registered Nurse
Lutheran
05.1996 - 04.1998
ICU Staff Nurse
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
02.1992 - 05.1996
Labor and Delivery Nurse Extern
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
04.1990 - 01.1992
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Phoenix Community College
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